Project Specialist of the Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub under the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) Oksana Kravtsova presented the results of the project “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program for the Aral Sea Basin” (CAMP4ASB) at the stakeholders meeting on Central Asia Hydrometeorology Modernization Project II (CAHMP II) in Almaty.
CAMP4ASB was implemented by CAREC jointly with EC IFAS under the financial support of the World Bank. The Project carried out targeted modernization of climate observation systems and increased the capacity of hydrometeorological agencies stuff in Central Asian countries.
Oksana Kravtsova highlighted CAREC's ability to provide an existing regional platform to facilitate dialogue between hydrometeorological agencies of CA countries, as well as its extensive experience and tools to conduct capacity-building training for experts and support for an expert network.
The stakeholders meeting on CAHMP II was organized by the World Bank Group on February 29 and March 1 to discuss the next phase of the Central Asia Region Hydrometeorology Modernization Project.
Representatives of hydrometeorological services, Ministries of Emergency Situations, and other international and regional organizations gathered to discuss the main outcomes of the first phase of the project known as “Modernization of Hydrometeorological Services in Central Asia” (PMHMO CA-I) and to develop a common strategy for the development of the second part of the project. Participants shared experiences and lessons learned during the initial phase, noting challenges such as difficulties in data exchange between Central Asian countries despite existing agreements, the need to update meteorological models and training on their use. In addition, all countries emphasized the need for capacity building of specialists, extensive training activities and procurement of technical equipment for modernization and automation of meteorological data.
The hydrometeorological services outlined their expectations from the second phase of the project and to identify future activities and needs relevant to all countries.
The following key topics were addressed during the two-day meeting:
· Establishing a specialized regional platform for hydrometeorological agencies to share data, experiences and best practices;
· Development of an action plan with defined tasks, activities and timelines;
· The need to update meteorological models;
· Expansion of regional cooperation for experience sharing and mutual learning.
